Winning vote: [X] ...and I'm not going anywhere! -[X] In fact, I'm going to stop this myself!
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (Early End ~Cruel Camellia~)
...and I'm not going anywhere!
Me: Even so, I'm not going anywhere!
Rosalyn: Yeah, me neither! I'm not leaving my best friend behind!
On the other hand, Rosalyn needs to go. This is no place for her. And for that matter, it's no place for my niece either, not if it's throwing her into a panic like before. I know I told her that we should stick together for safety, but right now I just want her to be safe. I'll have to hope that I can handle things here without her. Dad always told me that Mom was someone who protected people (though he never told me from what), so maybe I inherited some of that from her.
Me: Sarah, get Rosalyn to safety.
Rosalyn immediately flashes me a look of betrayal, but I ignore her. My niece, meanwhile, just looks confused, one hand still stuck in her purse, wrapped around something I can't see with an unfamiliar tangy scent. Magic perfume? No, there must be something more to it. In any case, she should use it to protect Rosalyn while I try and talk Lulu and Molly down. I say as much to her, and her eyes go wide.
Sarah: Uncle, that's a terrible idea! Let me-!
I cut her off.
Me: No. You get Rosalyn out of here now. Go to the school – I'll meet you there. I have a hunch about it.
There's another explosion, this time from further away. Molly is chasing Lulu into the distance. They're retreating! I have to hurry before they get too far away!
Me: Go now!
Rosalyn: H-hold on!
Sarah: Uncle, wait!
But I ignore them both and dash towards the pitched battle. I have Sarah's protective charm, so I should be safe. Well, as long as I don't run into any fireballs.
Speaking of, the fire that would normally spread and burn this park down is being doused by the rain. Thankfully, Molly is loud enough for two people and I can just follow her voice.
Molly: Oh, running away again~? Is that all you can do, you coward~?
Despite her bright orange scales, Lulu is great at hiding amongst the foliage. If the cover was denser, she could probably just escape. But no, there's enough gaps between the trees that I can spot her, so I know that Molly can too.
Molly laughs, and slowly stalks the trees, trailing Lulu. I follow behind her, trying to stay out of sight. She either doesn't see me or doesn't care about me as she keeps talking.
Molly: You have no problem killing innocent and defenseless ordinary people, but as soon as someone fights back, you make yourself scarce? You cower and hide? Truly, you're pathetic. Someone like you has no place among elite students like us. But don't worry, I'll make sure to send you back home to your mama... in a body bag!
She punctuates that last statement by slamming her icy sword into a tree, slicing it clean in half.
Something flies out of the top –
It's Lulu, now adorned with wings –
She rains down fire –
Molly blocks it with her shield –
Lulu rushes forward, bashing into her –
And the shield starts to melt –
That gets a reaction out of Molly.
Molly: W-what!?
Lulu glares at her, eyes gleaming with orange fire.
I duck to the side, behind tree cover, knowing what's about to come.
Lulu: The only innocent and defenseless person who's been killed... is me...!
Lulu opens her mouth wide, and Molly disengages and retreats to escape the fire blast.
I'm so stunned by what Lulu has said, questions swarming through my mind – is it really true, how can she be dead and be walking around, why then is she like a dragon – that I don't notice that Molly's noticed me and been running up to me until it's too late. She's got a wicked smirk on her face – oh, I don't like that!
But before I can retreat, she uses her free hand to grab me. Where did this strength come from!? Her arms are like twigs, but she' s able to manhandle me with ease, sticking me in front of her like a human shield. I'm taller and wider than her. I'm the perfect cover.
Lulu stops in place, eyes wide. Molly laughs at her hesitation and my futile attempts to struggle out of her grip.
Me: H-hey, let me go! I just want to talk!
Molly laughs harder.
Molly: Talk? There's nothing I want to hear from you – from either of you!
Lulu: Molly, let him go...!
But Molly ignores her and pushes her way forward with me in tow, her sword raised and ready.
Molly: Oh, I'll let him go alright... if you stand there still for me~!
Lulu, uncertainty bursting out of her face, does so. I have to say something!
Me: Molly, you have to stop! This is all happening because you started it! But you can stop it now if you back down!
Molly twists my arms, nearly dislocating my shoulders.
Me: Aaaagh!?
Molly: Oh, shut up! I'll end this my own way, hahaha~!
Lulu hasn't moved. We're right up in front of her. Her focus is switching between me and Molly. She's unfazed by the pouring rain. Molly stops close, as promised and lets me go –
She shoves me forward into Lulu –
I don't see it, but I feel it –
The sword piercing through me –
Ice cold is spreading through me, choking me.
Molly isn't laughing. She's lost.
Even I can see it through my fading vision.
Lulu's grabbed the icicle sword and pulled us both in, blazing hatred swirling in her eyes and heat about to burst out from her mouth.
The last words I ever hear are...
Lulu: I'm sorry, mister...
...before the world explodes into orange.
QM Note: As I said earlier, the next part that continues the story will be posted next week sometime.
Winning vote: [X] ...and I'm not going anywhere!
-[X] But I'll keep Rosalyn out of harm's way.
--[X] I'll escort her out of here, and then come back ASAP.
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (10)
...and I'm not going anywhere!
Me: Even so, I'm not going anywhere!
Rosalyn: Yeah, me neither! I'm not leaving my best friend behind!
On the other hand, Rosalyn needs to go. This is no place for her. Frankly, this is no place for any of us, especially not the two fighting girls. There has to be a way that we can get them to stop!
I turn to my niece.
Me: Sarah, if I get Rosalyn out of here, can you get them to stop fighting? I'll come back as soon as I can.
Rosalyn immediately starts demanding to stay, wearing a mask of betrayal, but I ignore her. We let the little girl accompany us, so we're responsible for her safety. ...To be honest, she's probably safest here with Sarah around to protect her, but it's not like my niece will see it that way. Best to go along with her wishes.
As for my niece, she nods at me, a determined expression in her (now purple-tinted) brown eyes.
Sarah: Leave it to me. Honestly, I'd prefer it if you stayed away too, uncle, but...
Me: ...you can't keep me away, and you know it.
Rosalyn: Then why are you taking me awa-!?
Her protest is interrupted by another explosion, this time from further away. Looks like Lulu is drawing Molly away from us, away from Rosalyn, her dear friend. I need to do my part then.
Me: For your safety, now let's go!
I grab Rosalyn's hand and run, dragging her along through the rain. She'll end up soaked like this, not having bothered with an umbrella and lacking a thick raincoat like mine – she's just got on a light jacket. Probably thought this would be quick.
We dash out of the park towards a spacious street. Despite the rumbling in the distance, no one's coming around. Some cars drive by and some people walk past us, but no one bats an eye. Is this normal? You'd think someone would have called the cops over the noise... maybe someone has... it's not like I could tell and Rosalyn tries to take advantage of my momentary distraction to run back into the park, but I grab her and pull her back before she can escape.
Rosalyn: H-hey! Let me go!!
Me: No way! Not to that place and not in this weather! Look at you, you're soaked!
Rosalyn: Who cares!? I need to be with Lulu!
Me: You can be with her once my niece is done. But she can't focus if you're there. Now let's go find somewhere safe for you to stay...
The girl growls at me and keeps futilely struggling to rush back to her friend, back into danger. But she's no match for me, so she ends up further away from her goals despite her effort. Eventually, she decides to go limp instead and make it harder for me. Unfortunately for her, I've dealt with rowdy teenagers before.
I sigh.
Me: Rosalyn.
She harrumphs in response, crossing her arms.
Me: Look, I promise that we'll bring Lulu to you. But I need you to cooperate. Besides, didn't you need to make some excuse to sneak away from your mom?
That gets her to rush into motion, flailing out of my loosened grasp and checking to make sure her backpack hasn't been completely waterlogged from the rain. Inside it, I see the expected books and papers, but also what looks like a stuffed pink-and-white unicorn.
Rosalyn: Ack! Oh no, I forgot! I told my mom I was studying and...
She then glares at me and points an accusing finger.
Rosalyn: Hey! You're just trying to distract me!
Yeah, but that's not a bad thing here.
I roll my eyes and squat down to the kid's level.
Me: I'm trying to help you. Both of you. And so is my niece. She's gonna help me bring your friend to you, and then we can have a nice little chat together. ...Oh, look there's even a café over there that's still open. How about you duck in there and I'll come back in a bit?
She doesn't drop her glare, but she also doesn't run off again.
Rosalyn: You promise?
I nod and smile at her.
Me: I promise.
A smile briefly flickers on her face, and she goes along with my whims, dashing inside to safety. She's not alone in there, so we'll have to be careful about what we discuss in public. That, or move somewhere else – maybe Sarah's place. We can decide that once we've regrouped, so I dash back to the park. The rain is falling harder than ever. My coat's getting soaked. A chill is pressing into my bones. I have to press on.
When I get close to the park, I can hear footsteps and shouting. Someone's coming this way!
I duck behind a tree for cover and thankfully don't get noticed by a retreating Molly. She's lost both her sword and her shield, and she's lightly singed in places. There's terror in her eyes, yes, but also wrath. That's a vengeful gaze if I've ever seen one. I'm sure we'll be seeing more of her.
The shouting continues, but no footsteps follow. Sounds like... Lulu, yelling at my niece to let her go. She must be concerned about Molly chasing down her friend. Thankfully, that white knight girl won't have any idea where to look for her.
Now that the coast is clear, I make my presence known and-!
Me: H-huh!?
Lulu also turns to face me, fear in her shining eyes, her arms bound by thorned vines, but I'm not looking at her.
No, I'm looking straight at my niece, clad in a purple robe cascading down to her ankles conjoined with a purple veil covering her shimmering purple hair, pinned in place by a wide-brimmed church crown adorned with spirals of purple passionflowers. Her eyes are glowing a soft and deep purple in the darkness, causing the rain around her to shine just the same. (The rain is also somehow avoiding her entirely.) The solid single-colored outfit is broken up by a green bow-belt of thorny vines around her waist and a white star-shaped amulet draping down from her neck. The thorny vines binding Lulu are coming off of said bow-belt.
Despite her awe-inspiring appearance, my niece looks embarrassed by the attention.
Sarah: Uncle, it's rude to stare!
I blink, and then turn my eyes away.
Me: Apologies. I don't see outfits like that often.
It makes me feel vaguely nostalgic even, though I'd swear that I've never seen anything like this before...
I then shiver in the cold rain, dismissing that thought.
Me: Let's get out of the rain and take Lulu to Rosalyn.
Lulu perks up, gaze softening, ceasing the struggle against her restraints.
Lulu: Where is she... can Molly find her...?
Sarah shakes her head.
Sarah: Not as long as she kept my protective amulet on her.
Me: I left her at a nearby café. It's pretty close by. Follow me.
And so they do, my niece releasing Lulu from her restraints and returning to her normal attire. Lulu, meanwhile, grabs her ruined hoodie and puts it back on to disguise herself. Neither of them seems inclined to talk – both still tense – so I break the silence.
Me: I have some questions for you and Rosalyn, Lulu. You're not in trouble – there's some things that I want you to clear up for me. But there were other people in the café. Will that be a problem?
Lulu is silent for a moment before answering.
Lulu: Depends on what you want to know...
Of course it would.
Sarah: If you're that concerned, we can go to my place.
Me: But your roommates...
Sarah: They know. Not about this specifically, but about me. That won't be a problem.
Lulu: Your roommates too...? Are there more... people like you...?
Sarah: Yes... and no. But that's for another time. Tonight, you're answering the questions, Lulu!
Lulu: Okay... let's go there then.
Lulu's subsequent attempts to get more answers out of my niece fall flat, and Sarah manages to change the subject to something more casual. But at least they're both a bit less tense. I'm glad I brought her along. I don't join in on the conversation. Instead, I spend the walk figuring out what I want to ask.
(Leaving this as a pure write-in. Send in as many questions as you like. Due to the time involved in commuting, five of them will be answered before Mrs. O'Keefe interrupts.) [][Questions] (write-in)
(Vote for up to five questions that will be answered before Mrs. O'Keefe interrupts.) [][Questions] "So, why haven't you gone home yet?"
[][Questions] "Why is Molly after you now?"
[][Questions] "Lulu... how are you doing? What's happened to you?"
[][Questions] "...so, were you always a dragon or is this new?"
[][Questions] "I understand why you hate Molly, but what did the others do?"
[][Questions] "How can we help you end this?"
[][Questions] (write-in)
QM Note: Also leaving this vote open for at least a week, if not longer. Happy Holidays!
Winning vote: [X][Questions] "Why is Molly after you now?"
[X][Questions] "Lulu... how are you doing? What's happened to you?"
[X][Questions] "...so, were you always a dragon or is this new?"
[X][Questions] "I understand why you hate Molly, but what did the others do?"
[X][Questions] "How can we help you end this?"
Bonus: "Is there a way/Question to test whether this is actually Lulu?"
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (11)
By the time I've settled on a set of questions, we've made it back to the café. The rain covers the windows, cascading and dripping down and down. The same rain has entirely soaked me... it's awfully tempting to go in there to have our chat and be done with it. But the decision not to was being made for us – the customers were exiting one by one and the sign was flipped to closed. Rosalyn was already waiting outside, and ran up to Lulu as shown as she saw us.
Rosalyn: Lulu!
Lulu: Rosalyn...
The two girls tenderly embrace for a moment before Rosalyn jerks herself away.
Rosalyn: W-wow! Lulu, you're hot! Uhhh, I mean, you're really warm! And dry...
Indeed, little Lulu is the only one who wasn't soaked. Her hoodie is dry again as if it wasn't raining at all, and the rain that falls on her evaporates away in small bursts of steam instead.
Lulu: S-sorry... I can turn it down... I think...
Me: Don't worry about it. We're going to be out of the rain soon anyway. Next stop is my niece's place. Rosalyn, can you stick around a bit longer?
Rosalyn: Yeah, I let my mom know that I'll need to stay out a bit later. She said she'd call me when she wants me to head back. I might have to do some actual studying while we talk though...
I nod. Right, she'll need to be convincing later.
Sarah: Then we ought to hurry. Follow me.
She then leads the way back to the station. My niece and I walk side by side with the two kids following us, ignoring us to talk amongst themselves. Well, it's more like Rosalyn talking at Lulu, the dragon girl is rather withdrawn and sullen. Speaking of Lulu...
Me: Say, is Lulu still giving you that menacing feeling?
My niece nods and responds to my whispered query in the same hushed tone.
Sarah: That rancid and hateful orange aura is swirling all around her. I'm surprised neither of you can feel it. She's not hiding it at all. She did dim it a bit though...
We briefly turn to look at Rosalyn and Lulu. Rosalyn is able to hold on Lulu now, and is hugging one of her arms tight.
Me: ...Nope, still can't see it.
Sarah: Well, good for you. It smells bad too. I'll have to put on some more incense...
Me: I'd appreciate it. And I had another question.
Sarah: Hm?
Me: How can we be sure that this is really Lulu?
Sarah's eyes go wide, but she manages to keep her voice down.
Sarah: Huh!? You think that's not the real her!?
Me: That's not what I said... I'm asking how we can check. I don't want to give Mrs. Drake false hope.
She nods.
Sarah: Violet should be able to help with that. I'll arrange it with her while we're on the train.
Me: Thanks.
By the time we've decided that, we're at the station. Lulu gets the occasional odd glance, but the combined glares of her and Rosalyn keep people at bay. Not that I mind much. I have no desire to try and explain this to anyone else. I barely understand it myself. I have ideas and hunches, of course, but nothing concrete.
Talking to these two is just what I need to get that concreteness.
The rain's started to die down by the time we get to the Mon Meadows, but it's still coming down strong so we rush our way to my niece's apartment. Sure enough, Violet is also there, along with her girlfriend Aster, and neither of them look surprised by our arrival. The air in the apartment is thick with a refreshing floral scent, and three of the four of us dash in without hesitation. Only Lulu hangs back, agitated for some reason, but invitations from Violet and Aster, reassurances from Sarah, and a warm hand from Rosalyn get her to overcome her hesitation and enter, relaxed.
We all ditch our wet outerwear by the door, and I try not to stare at Lulu's orange scales. They cover everything but her face, which resembles her mom's so much.
Sarah: Take a seat wherever you'd like you two. I'll be right back.
My niece then steps away with Violet and Aster to another room, and I walk to the kitchen to pour us each a glass of water, leaving the two kids to their own devices. By the time I return, Rosalyn's pulled out her books and gotten to work while Lulu's helping her. Since my niece isn't ready yet, I leave them be.
A few minutes later, the floral scent in the air intensifies, with something sweet, dry, and powdery added to it. Lulu sits up, tense again, and Rosalyn works on calming her down.
My niece then returns to the living room in her magical attire once more, accompanied by Violet and Aster. Violet's holding an incense burner with a purple stick, which is giving off the new scent. She places it down on a nearby table and departs with Aster to give us some privacy.
Lulu, meanwhile, glares at the flower-shaped incense bowl.
Lulu: What... is that...?
My niece, rather than getting annoyed, smiles at Lulu and speaks softly.
Sarah: Lulu, you can relax. It's magical incense. It's meant to protect us.
Lulu: I'm not a danger...!
Rosalyn tries to back up her friend –
Rosalyn: Y-yeah! Lulu wouldn't hurt us!
– but my niece dismisses them both.
Sarah: I know. You're not the danger here. But that doesn't mean we can be careless.
Me: She's right. Besides, it's not like it smells bad.
Lulu: It doesn't but... it's itchy.
She frowns and leans into Rosalyn.
Sarah: Well, we'll try to keep this quick then.
My niece then whispers into my ear.
Sarah: None of us can lie while this incense is active.
Me: Got it.
I then turn my attention to the dragon girl and her human friend. I know just the set of questions to confirm that she's the real Lulu, ones that will also tell me what I need to learn from her.
Me: Lulu Drake... how are you doing? What's happened to you? According to your mom, you were last seen at Diamondwood High School where you somehow vanished. Is that the case?
She nods, glaring at me.
Lulu: Everything's terrible.... First of all, I didn't vanish... I was kidnapped...!
Rosalyn gasps, clutching her friend tighter, while my and Sarah's eyes go wide. A kidnapping?
I must have said that out loud, because she nods again.
Lulu: Mollys knows... sometimes Rosalyn, John, and I walk home separately... on that day, she and her friends jumped me... tried to drag me away back to the school... I tried to fight them off, but... I couldn't do anything... and I called for help but no one came...!
That's even more suspicious. Were there no guards around? No other students?
Lulu: At some point... I got knocked out... and I woke up chained up somewhere... they came to taunt me and torment me... and they didn't feed me anything either...!
I freeze in place. Wait, but then...
I glance at my niece. She must be thinking the same thing. She's gone pale, as has Rosalyn.
Rosalyn: L-lulu...?
Sarah: Lulu... if they didn't feed you... how did you break out?
Lulu's eyes are dull and lifeless.
Lulu: I didn't.
Rosalyn flings herself away from her friend with a frightened squeal!
Rosalyn: Eeee-!? L-lulu, a-are you...!?
Lulu: Rosalyn... I'm sorry...
She takes Rosalyn's hand in hers, and then places it on her neck in a particular spot by the base of the jaw. We all know what she's looking for. We all know now what she's not going to find.
A pulse.
Rosalyn screams and hugs Lulu tight, crying. Lulu is unmoved. But if I'm not seeing things, perhaps something is moving around her, violating twitching, suddenly agitated...!
Sarah whispers in my ear that she's going to light up more incense and then departs.
Me: Lulu... but if you're still there, then how can you be here?
Lulu: I don't know either... I just heard a voice... it offered me revenge...
Me: And you said yes.
Lulu: Of course...! ...Rosalyn...?
Rosalyn's tensed up and laughing strangely.
Rosalyn: Ah ha... ha ha ha... oh no... she was real...
Me: What are you...?
She cuts me off, screaming, eyes manic.
Rosalyn: I thought it was a dream! A woman in a black cloak told me she'd help you! She said she'd bring you back to me!
She cuts herself off as Sarah matches back in, accompanied by the smell of incense.
Sarah: Okay, everyone, deep breaths! In... and out... in... and out...
Even I follow her, relaxing a bit.
Sarah: Rosalyn, I'm going to ask you more about that woman later. But for now... Uncle?
Me: Ah, right.
I cough.
Me: Okay, let's recap. Molly and friends dragged Lulu to some hidden room at Diamondwood High School. Lulu died there. Somehow, she returned from the dead. And now you're killing the people who did this to you?
She nods, now the one hugging a limp Rosalyn.
Me: Okay, so this whole... being a dragon thing is new.
She nods again.
Lulu: I have a stuffed dragon... her name is Lily... I think had her in my bag on that day...
Rosalyn perks up.
Rosalyn: W-what!? Then are you... p-possessing Lily!?
Lulu: It's possible...
Sarah: Are you only awake at night?
Lulu nods.
Sarah: Then I believe that's the case. Though I won't know for sure until morning.
Lulu: You want me to stay here...?
Sarah: I'm not letting you go back out there in the cold! I would send you home, but I... don't think that would be a good idea now. And not just because of your current status. Molly might try to track you down again.
Lulu growls out her agreement. Rosalyn shudders, but doesn't let her friend go.
Me: Speaking of Molly... why is she chasing you down?
Lulu growls again.
Lulu: I shouldn't have left her and Jack for last... she intervened when I came for him... she had that new power and chased me away... she must think that killing me will stop this...
Rosalyn: B-but why do you have to keep fighting!? Only those two are left... can't you stop? They haven't bothered me or John since you started this. Probably haven't gone after anyone else either...
Lulu: Because... I can't have peace... until I've had my revenge...!
The air shifts and thickens. The lights flicker and the room shudders.
...I'm starting to get what my niece was getting at before...
Rosalyn: E-eeek! S-sorry, Lulu!
Lulu, however, immediately stops once she sees the effect she's having on her friend.
Lulu: No, I should apologize... this wrath isn't for you... it's not for any of you...
Sarah: That power shouldn't be yours either. Nor should it be Molly's. I don't trust her with it. But I don't know how to seal it away...
Lulu: I have to kill her...! Then we'll both be gone...
Me: ...is there no other way?
Lulu's eyes are somber as she shakes her head.
Lulu: It has to be this way...
I'm not sure I believe it, but she does. Violet's incense is still going strong.
I'd like to state my opinion on that, but I get cut off my Rosalyn's phone ringing.
Rosalyn: Huh? Who is...? Oh shit, it's my mom! Sorry, Lulu, I need to go!
Rosalyn quickly takes down my niece's number, promises to text in the morning, grabs all her belongings, and runs off into the still pouring rain. That leaves the three of us here...
Lulu turns her attention back to my niece and I.
Lulu: I have no intention of stopping... I will find a way to defeat and kill Molly, and then kill Jack... and then this nightmare will be over...
Sarah narrows her eyes at Lulu.
Sarah: I'm not letting that happen. I'll send you up to Heaven and seal up Molly's powers! ...somehow...
Lulu glares back in turn.
Lulu: I won't let you stop me...!
I cough loudly, drawing in their attention.
I'd like to make a calm and reasoned statement of my own, get out what I think so we can find a resolution together... but I get cut off my both of them trying to make their case instead, talking over each other. My only reprieve comes from Sarah's stomach growling, cutting them both off.
I'm not looking forward to this dinner.
(So... what does Ken think?) [] Side with Lulu. It's unfortunate, but there's nothing we can do...
[] Side with Sarah. It's unfortunate, but vengeance isn't the way...
[] Side with... both of them? There must be way to compromise...
-[] (write-in further details)
(After dinner, Ken will head home. What will he be doing first thing the next morning?) [] Maybe it's time to finally talk to the Dunbars.
[] I said I'd spend time with Mary, so let's do that.
[] The Knight family... I want to talk to them, but how?
[] ...What's going on with the Baker family?
[] (write-in)
QM Note: The trio will be joined by Violet and Aster for this dinner, helping Ken keep the peace.
Winning vote: [X] Side with... both of them? There must be way to compromise...
-[X] Lulu, you were wronged. What was done was horrific. It doesn't mean you should have to or get to kill. What happens if Molly and Jack die without you doing it? Putting revenge aside, how do you want to be remembered, how do you feel about how your friends, your mom, will go on?
-[X] Sarah.. how would you manage that while ensuring Charlotte, Rosalyn, and John find closer? Can you take on Molly alone? If Molly has powers, what's Jack's situation?
-[X] We still dont know the situation with the Baker or Dunbar families. There's probably yet more moving parts to this ordeal.
[X] I said I'd spend time with Mary, so let's do that.
-[X] Ask Sarah if she's familiar with Mary, whether she knows anyone like Violet or Aster who'd be good to introduce to her..
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (12)
I was right to be worried.
Lulu: I told you... I hunger only... for vengeance...!
Lulu Drake, a human schoolgirl who became an undead dragon, insists on murdering her classmate Molly Knight and Molly's friend Jack Dunbar. The two of them are the last living culprits in her murder. With their death at her hands, she believes that she'll be able to move on in peace, and similarly peace will return to the school and her friends.
Sarah: And I told you, we don't serve vengeance here!
Sarah Kennedy, my niece and a Magical Girl (Woman? I should ask later), refuses to go along with what Lulu wants. Having already accepted Lulu's death, she wants to send Lulu up to Heaven immediately. She's even offered an exorcism to do just that, and naturally Lulu has refused the offer. Her offers to seal away Molly's powers and make her and Jack suffer legal justice are falling on deaf ears... and to be honest I can't blame her. Not just because my niece has no idea how she can actually do either of those things. Hurt and hate like what Lulu feels aren't so easily addressed and cast aside.
Not to mention that it takes two to tango. If Molly doesn't want to cooperate, what then?
Under Lulu's pressure, Sarah has no answer, and so resorts to demands, which are then subject to Lulu's counterdemands, and so on and so forth. It takes the combined efforts of Aster, Violet, and myself to get them to stop and focus on eating. Well, Lulu is a ghost and doesn't eat, so she fumes in her seat instead.
It's a tense peace...
...that I unfortunately am about to break by voicing my opinion.
I start by focusing on Lulu, since she's not eating. She's completely out of place, not even touching any of the re-heated vegetarian morsels on display, mostly stir-fried offerings accompanied with rice and pasta. She's got a thick frown on her face, just like her mom's, and her expression could burn a hole through the table.
Me: Lulu.
She immediately glances up and turns her wrathful gaze at me. I shudder, and thankfully she notices and tones it down a notch.
Me: You know, it occurs to me that I didn't introduce properly myself to you. I'm-
She cuts me off.
Lulu: Kentarou Kennedy... I know, you said it on the way here...
I shake my head.
Me: Yes, but I'm not just any person. I was supposed to be your new homeschool teacher before any of this happened. I would have preferred to meet you that way, rather than like this.
Lulu: I see... I also would have liked that...
I take a deep breath. Here goes...!
Me: Lulu. What was done to you was horrific and deeply wrong. My niece knows that too. We all agree with that part. What we don't agree with is the idea that you should get to kill anyone, have the right to decide who lives and who dies.
Sarah smirks at Lulu and Lulu glares back at her. But thankfully she's content to bask in her temporary victory. I let her, since it'll be short-lived – I'll address her soon. Instead, I pose two questions to Lulu.
Me: Lulu... what would happen to you if someone else killed Molly and Jack, or if they died on their own from some other cause? Would that satisfy you? And putting revenge aside, how do you – as Lulu Drake – want to be remembered? How do you feel about how your mom and friends will remember you?
Silence surrounds us, emanating from Lulu as she thinks the matter over, eyes closed. The last remnants of Violet's incense are faint and fading in the dry air. I wonder what could be going through her mind. Has she committed herself to her revenge totally? She's thinking it over, so maybe there are bits of doubt floating in her mind. Or perhaps she's trying to figure the best way to disappoint me with the truth of her vengeful convictions?
When she opens her eyes, the fire in them is raging cold despite their sudden wetness.
Lulu: There is nothing else left for me... not even my friends or my mama... I can never go back to them...
She shudders and folds in on herself.
Lulu: I... I didn't want this, but...
Her tears evaporate before they can fall.
Lulu: There's nothing else that I can do...!
Sarah: You can leave it to-!?
But Lulu cuts her off with a roar that takes her (as well as Aster and Violet) aback.
Lulu: NO! IT HAS TO BE ME! Me or no one... but then how can I rest... with this pain, this ache, this fire burning inside me... I didn't start it, but I have to put it out...!
Lulu then turns to me, who had remained steadfast.
Lulu: So, no, that wouldn't satisfy me... I'm sorry, Mr. Kennedy...
I sigh.
Me: No, a part of me expected that. But I meant what I said when I didn't want you to kill anyone else. It's not just for your sake.
Lulu: ...it's for Mama, Rosalyn, and John as well...?
I nod as she continues.
Lulu: I never thought any of them would know... since I was moving in secret under the cover of darkness... and I didn't want them to see me like this... so, I never worried about that...
She pales slightly.
Lulu: You're not going to tell my Mama about this, are you!?
Me: Well, I have to tell her something. I can keep some secrets, but your fate won't be one of them. We'll need to find your body for a proper burial.
Truthfully, I'd rather bring her back in one piece, but that might not be possible. Not unless Sarah or one of her friends is hiding some secret mystical power. ... but then, I get the feeling that if she could do that, she would have for Iris.
Lulu: My body... I think it's in the school still... but I can't go back inside it anymore...
I glance over to Sarah, but before I can ask her anything, she and her roommates all shake their heads somberly. Is this really the end for Lulu...? Can she accept that? Can I accept that...? She's already here, even if not in the flesh, so what does that mean for all the rest of the dead? If magic is real, and curses are real, then surely miracles can also be real, right?
Ken: Even so... I want you to think about what it is you really want, Lulu.
I thought she might get angry at me for trying to deny her, but instead she's turned pensive and nods. With her somewhat settled, I can turn my attention to my niece.
Ken: Sarah, my niece... if we actually want Lulu to stand down, then we need a way to deal with Molly and Jack without killing them. Something definite, not just a promise. Can you do that? Otherwise, there's no way the Lulu will be able to rest in peace, so we might as well.... well, you know.
Sarah glowers at me while Lulu sticks her tongue out at my niece.
Sarah: I know that I can beat her in a fight, but getting rid of her powers is something else entirely. I don't know how she got them in the first place or where they came from.
Lulu: I think it's the tiara... she always keeps it away from me... and as for Jack, he was still powerless last I checked...
Sarah snaps her fingers.
Sarah: Okay! So I can take Molly's tiara away and force them both Molly and Jack to confess their crimes and admit their guilt. I doubt they'll apologize, so that's the best I can do there. What I need now is just a way to get to the two of them... maybe we cold try stopping by the school? But then we'd need proof that they're involved in this, something tangible and not just a ghost's testimony...
Lulu doesn't look impressed, so I ask my niece another question.
Me: Then the last thing will be to bring closure to Charlotte, Rosalyn, and John once Lulu is at peace. How can we do that?
Sarah: You already said it.
I blink, confused. I have?
Sarah: She needs a proper burial done by her loved ones. Since her spirit is here, she can even say goodbye to them herself. All we need to do is make a private space for them.
Lulu: Goodbye... to... to...!
Lulu shudders and wails loudly, crying tears that can no longer fall.
I abandon my seat to go and comfort her, as does everyone else.
But comfort doesn't come easy for someone consumed by cold flames of hatred...
.
.
.
It's Sunday morning now.
Normally I don't remember my dreams, but one this night was too vivid to forget. An orange-scaled beast with eyes of fire rampaging, crushing a castle made of crystals and killing a knavish knight. Cold flames consumed the world, burning everything in their path, burning both the innocent and the guilty, burning in my eyes, burning me –
I leapt out of bed, hot and sweaty. I must have screamed, but no one was around to hear. Not unless my own haunted house has its own ghosts that I can't see.
(I hope no one else is home here.)
It's still pretty early, but Mary is an early riser too. Since I said I'd spend time with her, may as well do that now. I pointed out last night that we still don't know anything about the Baker or Dunbar families, so I can always try reaching out to one of them in the afternoon. Lulu thought that the Bakers wouldn't know anything and doubted the Dunbars would want to talk though.
I'll have to find a way to get them to talk. That or get Molly to incriminate Jack somehow. She's seen me, so I don't want to drop by her house unannounced and definitely not by myself. Hmm... maybe Sarah and I could try tracking her down after school tomorrow...
While thinking that matter over and deciding to talk with Sarah again first, I get ready and head outside to a beautiful day. I also told Sarah that I'd be spending some time with Mary today with no complaints from her. She has schoolwork to do. She – along with Violet and Aster – were curious about Mary's flower garden and wanted to meet her after this was all over. Somehow, none of them had met her, though they knew of her thanks to me. That's not too surprising – despite her sunny demeanor and fashionable attire, Mary's not really a socialite. I think I'm one of the few people she actively spends time with. She's also one of the few people I spend time with.
We're two little loners in a big world, a world that's a lot bigger than I thought.
I swim through her sea of flowers and knock on her door. No point in calling or texting – she wouldn't answer. Besides, I knock loud enough to get her attention. I have since I was little and her parents were the ones opening the door instead.
There's shuffling inside the house.
Mary: Huh...? Kenny, is that you...?
She yawns as I reply back with a yes.
Mary: The sun's still rising... did something happen? You normally get up later...
Me: Well, I had a bad dream. But never mind that! Let's hang out a bit today.
I can almost hear her perk up.
Mary: Oh! Okay, sure! You can wait inside while I get ready; you know where the spare key is. Be back in a bit~!
I hear her dash off and take that as my cue to grab the key. While I'm looking for it, I ought to decide where exactly we're going.
[] Let's stay in. No, I want to go out somewhere.... but where...?
[] Let's go to the West Shores for some (window-)shopping.
[] It's a nice day, so let's go to Sunshine Park and bask in it!
[] Maybe we can go to the city center where there's variety?
[] (write-in to go somewhere else that's been mentioned)
For that matter, she probably wants to know what I've been doing lately... but should I tell her?
[] Tell Mary everything. She's your friend, so she'll trust you.
[] Tell Mary nothing. This just isn't her business, after all.
[] Tell Mary only certain things. (write-in further details)
QM Note: I did have to massage the write-in a bit, so hopefully I still captured the spirit of it. I need to work on other stuff for a bit, so this vote will be open for a good while.
Winning vote: [X] It's a nice day, so let's go to Sunshine Park and bask in it!
[X] Tell Mary everything. She's your friend, so she'll trust you.
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (13)
Mary's my friend.
She's been my friend about as long as I can remember.
It's not like we've never kept secrets from each other, but...
...this scenario with Lulu isn't something that I want to keep secret from her. I don't think I should keep it secret from her either. After all, if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be involved in this whole thing the first place. I'd have never learned about my niece's own secret, nor about Lulu's struggles.
So, I'll tell Mary everything that's happened ever since she showed me those seeds of orange lilies the other day, and also of things that happened before then. How a moment of idle curiosity sparked by her words led to my entanglement in a young girl's ghostly revenge story. How this city of ours – our home – is a much stranger place than I remembered it being. How I've started to wonder if Mary herself might be a part of this strangeness, given those flower seeds and her vast garden.
But I can ask her things later. Now is the time for me to talk.
Mary leaves her spare key underneath a certain seemingly innocuous pot in the back. I grab it and let myself in through the back.
I then immediately exit, as its full of junk and trash, and try the front instead.
When I open the door, I get a whiff of a thick floral scent filled with sweetness and spice. It's delightful, like red roses in spring, and it's easy on me. Don't see any roses though, so it must be from incense, I guess.
Mary's front door opens up to a big living room, and the incense holder is on the center of a small table in the center. While all the real flowers are outside, the wallpaper has an old floral pattern all over it. It's only covered up by the occasional piece of furniture or a picture of the two of us as kids. I recognize one in particular as one my mom took long ago, where we were playing around in Sunshine Park on a clear day, the two of us smiling brightly. My dad is in the background, but her own parents are nowhere to be found.
This framed photo is resting atop an old square piano, keys uncovered, no score. Huh, wonder what she was playing... she's asked me over from time to time to hear her play, but hasn't recently. I walk over to it, take a seat, and start playing. With no score, I'd have to go for something I can at least somewhat remember... or I could improvise, so I do that instead. It's what I'm used to, after all.
(The consequences of this choice will play out in Poppy's route.) [][Piano] Music flows out of my fingers like magic. Even without practice, I still got it.
[][Piano] Frankly, it sounds awful, but I'm having fun and that's what counts.
-[][Piano] This was never my instrument anyway, I preferred the guitar.
-[][Piano] This was never my instrument anyway, I preferred the drums.
-[][Piano] Music was never my hobby anyway, I preferred (write-in OR leave it up to the QM)
I get so into it that I don't notice that Mary's done until she comes up behind me and drops her hands on my shoulders all of a sudden.
Mary: Nice playing, Kenny~!!!
Me: Gah!
I jolt up in my seat and stop at once, nearly knocking over the stool, turning to face her.
Me: Hey, watch it! I'm playing your piano, you know!
She, thoroughly pleased with herself, is not wearing her usual blood red, instead wearing a dress closer to shade of orange, with similarly colored gloves. Looks like we're matching, since I put on a bright orange button-down shirt and black slacks without thinking too much about it.
Mary: I was watching it, thank you very much! I didn't tell you to stop either~!
Me: Well, you shouldn't have thrown me off... I was just about done anyway.
Mary chuckles, her smug aura mocking me.
Mary: Oh, of course you were. Anyway, where are we going?
Me: Sunshine Park. I want to be out in the sun.
Mary: Okay, let's go! You know, you're lucky that it'll be sunny all day today. Yesterday's rain was pretty harsh. Not that I or my flowers mind it though.
She leads me out of her house through her flower garden. These flowers...
Mary wanted to plant something new, she asked me for my preference, and I'm the one who picked the Orange Lily. My picking that flower can't have been what caused this all to happen, since Lulu was transformed weeks ago. But my picking that flower led to me getting involved in Lulu's life. Was that on purpose or was it just a coincidence...?
Me: Mary?
Mary: Hm?
She turns to look up at me as we walk to the nearby bus stop.
Mary: Something the matter? You thinking about that dream again?
Me: Actually, no, but something is the matter. I got some things I want to tell you once we get to the park about what I've been up to lately. But before then I have a question for you.
She nods.
Me: Why did you ask me back then to pick out a new type of flower for you to plant? It's not like you need me for that. You do a good enough job caring for your garden on your own.
She preens.
Mary: Why thank you, I am doing a good job~! Oh, I just love hearing you say that~!
I roll my eyes.
Me: Yeah, yeah, you'll love it as much the next time I say it too.
It's not like it's not true or that I secretly don't believe it. She is doing a good job. Her garden's beautiful. So, I can't help but wonder why Mary wants me – someone whose knowledge of flowering plants is at best second-hand from her – to give her advice. Why was it so important that I pick this time?
Me: But I did ask you a question.
Mary: Ah, well...
She puts a finger to her cheek and looks away before answering.
Mary: ...I just felt like it~! That's all.
Me: Uh-huh. You just felt like it.
She nods.
Mary: That's right~!
She then leans over into me, red eyes shimmering with delight.
Mary: That's why you finally answered too, right? Because you just felt like it.
Me: ...well, you got me there. And I also just happened to feel like investigating what happened to Lulu Drake. It's a shame that she's been missing for so long; her mother is worked sick about her.
Mary: Hmph, must be nice to have parents who worry about you... ...but, Kenny, is she actually missing? You're making it sound like you found her!
Me: I did. Well, I found her ghost, so it's not quite the same.
Mary blinks, staring straight at me. I can't tell I she's confused or concerned – maybe it's both.
Mary: ...ah?
Me: You heard me.
She then chuckled.
Mary: Oh Kenny, ghosts aren't real~! That has to be some kind of prank!
Me: ...a prank?
She nods vigorously, perhaps hoping that I'll believe her if she puts more enthusiasm into it.
Mary: Yes, yes, I mean you know how kids are...
Me: You're right, I do. So, I'm pretty sure Lulu turning into a dragon ghost and being accosted by her bully-turned-magical-knight isn't merely a prank.
Mary stops in place and stares at me, eyes wide, full of shock and yet brimming with hate I've only ever seen when someone brings up her dead parents.
Mary: WHAT!? What do you mean Molly is-!?
She cuts herself off, covering her mouth frantically looking around to make sure no one overheard.
Me: ...so, were you that cloaked figure Rosalyn talked about?
Mary: Ahaha, oh you've learned quite a bit, hahaha, um, dear Kenny, is there any way I can convince you to, uh, forget all about that, ehehehe~?
Me: Not a chance.
She sulks.
Mary: Awww... well, you got me. I was hoping to stay in the shadows.
In the distance, we can both see the bus pulling in, and I wave it down.
Mary: So, I have to ask... please do keep this a secret, got it? I mean it!
Me: No worries, I was gonna do that anyway.
I mean, who'd even believe me?
No one who wasn't already in the know or a witness to these miraculous or monstrous events, that's for sure. I wouldn't have believed it without seeing it for myself. ...though, Rosalyn had been willing to believe without evidence or hesitation. Maybe that's just how some kids are?
Mary's quiet on the bus and I don't prod her. Instead, I check my phone. I've gotten messages from a couple of people. I was expecting texts from my niece, and got a couple on what's happened in my absence. In the middle of the night, Lulu tried to sneak out and track down Molly. The trio of Aster, Sarah, and Violet managed to keep her inside though, much to Lulu's annoyance. In the morning, Lulu had seemingly vanished, but the truth was that she had taken on the form of a dragon plush, covered in orange scales, four legs, two wings, fangs bared. Sarah had sent me a picture, and even I could see that there were dim embers writhing in its plastic eyes.
I showed it to Mary and she nodded. This was her doing.
So, that's one mystery resolved. Maybe she'll even help us fix this.
As for the other messages, they're from Rosalyn and her mother. As it turns out, Mrs. O'Keefe got Rosalyn to tell the truth about who exactly she had been spending time with last night. Well, enough of the truth, as Lulu isn't mentioned in her texts at all. Her messages are full of threats if I ever so much as get near Rosalyn again. Rosalyn, meanwhile, is apologetic. She's also been, in her words, "ultra-grounded". Guess I won't be seeing her again unless I go to her school. I'll have to do that anyway eventually, but I'll have to be careful about keeping her safe and Molly at bay.
Not skipping a beat, I pass Rosalyn's number over to my niece along with the appropriate context and ask her to stay in touch with the girl. I doubt Mary will contact her again, but with Molly roaming around, it's better to play things safe.
I'm so focused on this that I hardly pay attention to the ride from South Hills to the Sunshine Park neighborhood, leaving Mary to lead us off the bus once we get to our destination: the titular Sunshine Park the neighborhood is named after. The whole neighborhood is a series of dense clusters surrounded by a sea of trees, and this park takes the cake as the largest single park not just in the city, but in the wider region. In this weather, the trees have a mix of vibrant deciduous and solid evergreen foliage, picturesque and bright beneath the sun's rays. The park's crowded, but even with all these people Mary and I can find privacy on the trails.
Me: So, my involvement starts the same day you had me pick out a flower. I go to work at the Calderon family's home as usual, along with Sarah. She wants to meet you too by the way, her and her two roommates.
Mary: Oh, of course! But why all three of them?
I chuckle.
Me: You'll understand once you all meet. You have something in common.
She gives me a pointed stare and demands more of an explanation, but I refuse to give it, telling her to wait. I'll have to mention that later on anyway. Besides, we're not going to do the actual meeting until after Lulu finds closure.
Mary: Hmph! Fine, fine... anyway, I assume nothing happened while you were at work.
Me: That's right. Afterwards, Sarah and I decided to go to Elfwoods to investigate the missing and dead kids. We managed to get into Diamondwood High School, thanks to an old contact from high school. You remember a guy named Florence Bowie?
She nods but doesn't speak up, so I continue.
Me: He gave us a tour of the school, answered some of our questions, offered to keep me abreast of any rumors, and gave Rosalyn my contact information. After we left to get dinner, we then got our first glimpses of Lulu and Molly, not that we knew who either one was at the time. Lulu approached us, having overheard that we wanted to talk to Rosalyn. I wanted to talk to her then, but Molly showed up and chased her away, so we decided to try again the next day after talking to Mrs. Drake first.
Mary: And how is Mrs. Drake doing?
Me: About as well as... well, you can imagine how my mom would react if something like that happened to me.
She nods, sagely, hair drifting in the breeze.
Mary: She's doing terrible then, got it. I'm surprised she hasn't been out looking for her daughter.
Me: She's been trying to get information out of the school, but they refuse to talk. Lulu was last seen on their campus.
I pause.
Me: You did see her at the school, right?
Mary nods.
Mary: Yeah, she was locked up inside in that big castle when I found her. Poor girl... by the time I found her... well, it was already too late for her.
We're walking between rows of green, red, orange, and on, still alone but not for long.
Me: But not too late to transform her.
Mary gives me a curious look.
Mary: Would you rather I had done nothing and left Lulu for dead?
Me: ...
I don't answer.
Instead, I continue the story. After talking to Mrs. Drake, Sarah and I met up with Rosalyn, and then with Lulu, and then Molly crashed the party. She grows agitated when I tell her of Molly's transformation, re-assured when she hears about Lulu and Sarah driving her off, and stops stunned when she hears that Sarah has her own transformation. She asks for more details, and when I describe what little I know – her flashy outfit, her healing abilities – Mary's face folds into a mask of confusion.
Mary: Huh? I've never heard of something like this before!
Me: So, there's more women like you two in town?
Mary grimaces.
Mary: Unfortunately, yes. Now's not the time for that tale though.
Apparently, she can tell that I was about to ask why, because she glares at me and shakes her head. Fine then... I finish up my tale, ending with the four of us going to Sarah's place to interrogate Lulu and Rosalyn, the tension between Sarah and Lulu, and the resolution we all came to last night.
Mary: Well, I'm sure you can guess what I think you should do.
Me: Leave Lulu to her business?
Mary: Of course! My special spell is just what she needs to get her revenge, hehehe~!
She's so pleased with herself, cackling in the sunlight, almost sparkling with delight. This is...!?
Mary: And you can forget about getting anything out of Molly! There's no way she feels guilty about what she did. I doubt Jack does either. But if all you want to do is lock them up and throw away the key, a confession should be good enough. As for that tiara... I'd like it if you gave that to me. Tch! I should have destroyed it when I had the chance. I won't make that mistake a second time.
Her face had been steeled with determination as she made those declarations before shifting to a somber demeanor.
Mary: As for Lulu... unfortunately, I have no way to bring her back to true life. She will have to be buried after all... but not until after she's completed herself.
She then sighs and whines to me, leaning on my shoulder, pretending to swoon.
Mary: Now Kenny, my darling Kenny, can we please just have a nice and normal walk under the sun from here on...? That's what I thought was going to happen... it's such a nice day and all; it'd be shame to spend it thinking about such a dreadful state of affairs.
As she finishes, we come near some other hikers on the trail.
Well, I did want to spend time with her. I don't have to spend all of it thinking about this deadly scenario I'm in. But at the same time, it's not like I can just ignore it. Lulu is suffering while Molly and Jack are free.
Sarah and I have decided that we have to do something about that.
Then again, she's busy right now.
So... what should I do then?
[] Maybe I should just spend the rest of the day with Mary.
-[] (may write-in things to do or say)
[] I can spend some more time with my friend, but then I need to go...
-[] ...check in with Sarah, Aster, and Violet (and Lulu)
-[] ...see if I can get lucky and catch the Dunbar family
-[] ...try to investigate the Knights without Molly noticing
-[] ...(write-in)
QM Note: And here it is! If you vote to do something else besides spend time with Mary, it'll still be the afternoon; otherwise you're skipping straight to the night.
Winning vote: [X][Piano] Music flows out of my fingers like magic. Even without practice, I still got it.
[X] Maybe I should just spend the rest of the day with Mary.
-[X] Try to find out more about these magical girls and try to convince Mary to help you
-[X] Find the time to just chill and hang out after the questions
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (14)
Mary has a point. Today is a nice day.
Me: Alright, alright... you win. I'll drop it. For now, anyway...
Mary claps her hands in approval.
Mary: Oh wonderful~! That was exactly what I wanted to hear. So-.
I cut her off.
Me: But I do want to ask you about something else you mentioned.
She blinks confused while hikers pass us by and orange leaves fall down.
Mary: Huh? About what?
She frowns, glaring at me with her red eyes.
Mary: Ah, wait, I think I know. Those other women I mentioned. Kenny, I said I didn't want to talk about them and I meant it. There's nothing you need to know about them.
She lets out that last word with a growl that rolls out of her mouth. For a moment, I consider simply pressing again anyway, but only for that moment. Mary can be pretty stubborn when she puts her mind to it. Just demanding an answer won't get me anywhere. No, I need to softer about it, but still firm.
Me: Well, I certainly don't need to know anything about one of them, since she's dead right? That's where the tiara came from?
Mary nods.
Mary: And it would be for the best if all of them had suffered the same fate.
She then sighs, dramatically placing a hand on her forehead.
Mary: Alas, it was not meant to be. Viticulture continues on in the darkness.
She smirks.
Mary: For now, anyway.
I start at that remark, filing that name aside for now.
Me: For now? You're going to go after them again?
Mary: Naturally. Pests need to be removed.
I shudder. I don't like hearing that out of my friend's mouth. I don't even know what to say in response!
So, I try changing the subject.
Me: W-well, can that wait until after we've satisfied Lulu. You know, we could use your help with that.
Mary: Huh? But I'm already helping!
Me: You know what I mean.
Mary rolls her eyes at me.
Mary: Yeah, yeah... you want to do things your way. But that's not Lulu's way, so I don't see why I should help. Let her handle things on her own.
I whisper my next words harshly in her ear.
Me: Letting her handle things on her own got a bunch of kids killed. Besides, even if all you care about is Lulu getting her revenge, she can't do that now that Molly is a match for her. She'd need more help anyway.
Mary didn't care much about that first part, but that second part got her to consider the matter... and me to consider what the hell is going on inside my friend's head. Was she always like this and I just didn't know? Did her parents get her into this? Is that the real reason they died?
Mary: Hmmm... fair enough. But if Molly and Jack are unrepentant, you have to promise not to get in Lulu's way. And I want to hear from Lulu that this is what she wants. Got it?
She doesn't wait for me to answer, a smile suddenly bursting out on her face.
Mary: Now let's stop talking about this and have some fun, shall we?
Yet her words are tense. I better drop this now while I can.
Me: Alright, alright... sorry.
She shakes her head.
Mary: Oh, there's no need for that. I know that you're concerned. And you're right to be! This city can be quite a dangerous place... but that's all in the background. You were never meant to interact with it. You were never supposed to be a part of this... and neither were they...
Me: Pardon? Didn't catch that last part.
Mary: Oh, nothing.
Didn't sound like nothing to me...
Mary: ...actually, excuse me for a moment.
This is clearly a distraction, but I go along with my friend's whims anyway and let her walk over towards... a large white dog with crystalline blue eyes? Sunshine Park is a pretty dog-friendly place – they're allowed to go around leash-less if they're properly trained – but Mary certainly doesn't have a dog, so I'm not sure who's this is or what the matter is. At least, not until she starts talking to it and acting like she can understand it when it barks back at her.
...
Not knowing how to respond to this sight, I leave her to it and text my niece about Mary's involvement with Lulu.
Moments later, she calls me.
Me: Hello?
Sarah: Uncle Ken, you need to bring that woman over.
Her voice is sharpened like a knife.
Sarah: Tonight.
Me: Huh? Didn't you want to wait until we've helped Lulu?
Sarah: I did. Now, I don't. I know she's your friend, but don't let her make any excuses or talk her way out of this. Trust me, I need to talk to her.
Me: Well, she wanted to help out anyway...
Sarah: I think she's done quite enough!
Me: Niece, relax. She's helping us too.
As long as Lulu cooperates, but I don't bring up that part.
Sarah sighs and agrees, but makes me promise to restrain Mary. As if I could do that!
But all I can do here is say yes, hang up, and tell Mary that my niece wants to meet her tonight. Lulu will be there too. By this point, the dog's slinked off somewhere and Mary seems pretty pleased with herself, so she agrees without hesitation.
We then continue our stroll through Sunshine Park.
It is such a nice day.
I hope it stays that way...
(So, what are Ken and Mary doing in the park? Vote for as many as you like, the four with the most votes will go through.) [] Speaking of dogs, go and find some willing dogs to play with!
[] Go check out the tennis courts and play some doubles matches
[] There's a small gazebo with two big pianos open for people to play
[] Haven't been to the Sunshine Park Zoo and Aquarium in a long time...
[] Neither of us are fishers, but there is a big pond and practice rods...
[] Oh, there's movies in the park today... three of them, actually
[] Do an actual hike, the park can get pretty hilly and has stunning views!
[] Take a long walk along the Riverfront (happens last at around sunset)
[] (perhaps you have some ideas of your own...?)
QM Note: Decided to call the vote here and have y'all choose what to do in the park before we go back to the plot. Enjoy!
Winning vote: [X] Speaking of dogs, go and find some willing dogs to play with!
[X] There's a small gazebo with two big pianos open for people to play
[X] Go check out the tennis courts and play some doubles matches
[X] Take a long walk along the Riverfront (happens last at around sunset)
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (15)
There's lots to do inside of Sunshine Park – it takes up essentially the entire neighborhood after all. I brought Mary here with the intention of enjoying the day, and now that we've made business plans for the night, we can finally get to that. I stretch, raising my arms towards the sun, and something promptly comes to my mind.
Me: Hey Mary, where'd that white dog come from anyway?
Apparently, I was the only one who noticed that my friend Mary was just talking to a random dog as if it were a person. People – individuals, couples, groups, families, and so on – were walking past the two of us and paid her no mind. But surely, I can't have been the only person to see that, right? ...Then again, maybe she's using some magical ability to keep people from noticing that anything's unusual.
I shudder at the thought. I'd hate to have someone mess with my mind like that, even if it was supposedly for my safety.
Mary: Oh, him? That's just Sapphire. Don't mind him, I'm watching over him on someone's behalf. Gotta make sure he's not hurt or getting into any trouble.
I blink. She never had any pets growing up, so maybe she's making up for lost time?
Me: Oh, I didn't know you cared for pets.
She scowls.
Mary: I don't.
Me: ...huh?
She sighs softly.
Mary: Another time, Kenny. Another time.
Me: Okay, well... how about we drop by the dog park for a bit? Did you send him that way? It's a pretty short walk to it from here.
Mary: No, I told him to go home. But sure, I'll play with some dogs with you, Kenny~.
Me: Hey, I'm doing this for you, you know!
She chuckles, light as the autumn breeze.
Mary: Yeah, of course you are~! Oh, but if we're going to play with dogs, then...
She pulls out a small vial of perfume from her blood-red-with-white-dots purse.
Mary: ...I'll need this!
She promptly starts spraying herself all over with the sweet and spicy scent of red roses. She sprays me too for good measure even though I didn't ask for it. At least this scent doesn't assault my senses with its intensity... I'm half-tempted to ask why she feels the need to do this, but the thought dies like a falling leaf drifting down. I'm sure there's a good reason for it.
Sunshine Park is a sprawling place, so there's maps and pointers conveniently placed at regular-ish intervals. We follow the trails and pathways until no longer need to due to all the dog sounds. Naturally, we're not the only ones who had the idea to play with people's dogs. There are all sorts of people with all sorts of dogs – some are playing games, some are running around, and some are basking beneath the autumn sun. I recognize one person and one dog immediately, especially since the little cocker spaniel runs up to me this time instead of being wary.
Charlotte: Well, hello there Mr. Kennedy. And who is this?
Mrs. Drake – without cigarette, with hair braided and tied up instead of draped loosely down her shoulders, wearing a red jacket and blue jeans – was here in the park with her dog Goldie. Her companions must have convinced her to go outside, or maybe she managed it herself. Either way it's just the two of them. It should be three-!
Mary: Hello to you too! I'm Mary Raffles, Ken's friend. Don't mind him, he zones out sometimes.
I blink, realizing I've been staring at Mrs. Drake silently, even ignoring a Goldie that's been pawing at my legs. I can feel the heat rush to my face.
Me: A-ah, sorry about that. Didn't sleep well. Mary, this is Mrs. Charlotte Drake and her dog Goldie.
Goldie barks once and trots over to Mary, permitting her to pet him. He seems pleased, tail wagging side to side. He then leads the two of us over to Charlotte, who sits up and makes room for Mary to sit by her side. Before I can join them though, Goldie gets distracted by a few other dogs passing by and dashes off! And without any hesitation, I give chase!
I end up playing with those other dogs for a while and meeting their owners. Goldie, meanwhile, slipped off and went back to Charlotte and Mary. By the time I make my way back to them, my stomach's growling. Well, it is about time for lunch... and Mary even offers to have Charlotte join us, but she declines. Turns out she'll be heading back to Dwarfpeak to eat with her family.
In a way, I suppose I'm doing the same thing. Mary might not be related to me by blood, but we're close enough. She certainly acts like I'm her only family. Makes me wish I understood her better... ah, but moping won't do me any good now. I'll have my chance to get a clue later.
Mary: I didn't tell her about Lulu, by the way.
I nod. That's a good call. We'll be able to tell her the truth later.
With any luck, that truth will include a good ending for her.
.
.
.
The rest of the afternoon flew by like a falcon on the wing.
Mary and I stopped by one of the many food trucks for a quick bite to eat. Chicken and rice for her, vegetables and rice for me. I guess my niece is rubbing off on me a bit.
The two of us sat down on a large lawn with a gazebo as its centerpiece, and that gazebo had two grand pianos beneath its canopy open for anyone to play. While we ate, a plain-dressed woman with cool brown skin and vibrant red hair was playing to a small crowd. After we ate, Mary and I played our own duet to another small crowd with that woman in it. She and Mary acted like they knew each other, with the woman constantly smiling and waving at Mary while Mary blatantly avoided eye contact with her. She didn't stick around to introduce herself to me either and Mary absolutely refused to elaborate. More mysteries it seems...
After that, the two of us wandered around for a while until we made our way to the tennis courts. Neither of us play with any level of seriousness, but luckily neither do most of the people here today. We stay for a long while playing some casual matches with people, especially once Chrys Stevens – another former friend from high school – dropped by with his sister Anthe Stevens. It's good to see him after so long – he's a pretty friendly man, and someone I wish I'd gotten closer to back in school. He plays casually like Mary and I, but his sister has quite the competitive streak and brings out a matching spirit in my friend. Between multiple doubles matches and eventually a series of one-on-one duels between the two women, we're at the courts almost until sunset. Probably would have stayed longer if I didn't remind Mary that we had places to be.
Anthe's won all her matches with Mary, but my friend demands a rematch and promises she'll win next time. Anthe, with a mocking yet playful laugh, agrees on the spot.
However, as Mary refuses to get a personal phone, it falls on me to get Anthe's number. I get Chrys' too, while I'm at it.
(Chrys will return in Rose's route. Will Ken contact him outside of that?) [][Chrys] Maybe I should give him a call sometime soon to catch up.
[][Chrys] But I'm not in much of a hurry to reconnect given things.
We then walk off, leaving them behind.
Mary: Oh ho~! Look at you, making moves on that guy~!
I roll my eyes at her, though I can feel a slight heat in my face.
Me: It's not about that. I just want to reconnect with people – you know, like you.
She promptly saddles up to my side, taking my arm in hers.
Mary: As you should~!
She then laughs loudly and proudly into the setting sun, and I follow her though a bit softer. I start leading her out of the park and towards a bus stop, but she instead leads me in the opposite direction.
Mary: Oh, hold on, let's not leave yet! I want to walk on the Riverfront!
Me: Huh?
Sure, the Riverfront was a pretty popular place as far as I remember, but I'm not sure what Mary's getting at.
Me: Can't you go another time?
She shakes her head.
Mary: No, because you won't be there. Now come on!
Me: Ah!?
She promptly starts dragging me away using a strength I never knew she had, only stopping when I recover and walk on my own two feet once more.
The Riverfront is technically a different area from the main Sunshine Park inside the Sunshine Park neighborhood, but everyone treats them as if they're continuous. We could walk, but the Sunshine Shuttle is waiting nearby, so we take it down to the Alle River instead. It's only a few minutes on the shuttle and there we are by the shore. The river carves out a valley and the sun hides in the distance behind the western hills. The Riverfront itself has a bike trail and walking trail on either side, and there's the occasional bench or stall every so often.
The fading sunlight sparkles atop the flowing waters like glittering gems. Shadows of branches sway and dancing orange leaves descend in the breeze. Our shore is in shadow while the other shore is golden beneath the sunset, tinted flowers swaying as if woven together.
I've been here before. I've seen this before.
We've seen this before.
Not just Mary and myself, but my parents as well – and not hers.
Never hers.
Always scarce, always secretive.
Mary inherited something of them, of course, but not everything. She'd spend all her time with me if I'd let her. Well, I think she would, but maybe she's made other friends while I was away. Maybe they've all fallen apart, maybe they're tight-knit. It's not like I would know either way.
Just what sort of life has she led while I was gone...?
And what sort of life was she leading while I was here by her side, hidden right in front of me...?
She's busy admiring the scenery, so I have to repeat myself before she hears me.
Me: I still want to know. About everything. About you.
She frowns.
Mary: Kenny... you have your secrets, let me have mine.
She's firm about it, but I hear the sadness ringing in her voice.
Me: These are no ordinary secrets, Mary. You don't have to bear them alone.
She waves that away dismissively, but she's half-hearted about it.
Mary: Oh, I don't mind that. Besides, you're an ordinary man. Don't you like that? It's one of your best qualities.
Me: ...is that supposed to be a compliment?
She rolls her eyes.
Mary: Yes, Kenny! If I wanted you to be involved in this, I could have brought you into it long ago. But no. I didn't want to then and I don't want to now. Your normality grounds me. It's where I want to end up after this is all over. Maybe I'll even join you as a teacher~!
I chuckle.
Me: You? Teaching little kids? I can't imagine it.
Mary: Hey, I could great at it if I tried!
Me: And maybe I could help you if I tried.
Her voice takes on a whiny airy quality, and I can already tell this is going to go nowhere.
Mary: But Kenny, you're already helping~! You're even helping Lulu, even if its in your way and not necessarily hers.
Now it's my turn to roll my eyes.
Me: Yeah, as if you're not doing the same thing.
I thought she might laugh, but instead silence flows out of her for a few moments before she speaks up.
Mary: Lulu and I have more in common than I think any of us would like.
She shakes her head.
Mary: But enough of that. Let's enjoy a nice walk before we greet her. She won't wake up again until the sun has finished setting.
I start asking if that was part of her spell, and she responds by covering my mouth part way through and not letting me finish. I can't even be mad since two joggers were about to pass us by and overhear us talking. ...well, okay, I could be mad, but I choose not to be. What I want is understanding, and I'll only get that by being patient with my friend. She'll open up on her own time.
At least, I hope so.
.
.
.
I call my niece when we get on a bus and head over. By the time Mary and I leave Sunshine Park, the sky is deep in dusky darkness. We also found a food stand with some vegetarian offerings, and I bought a bunch of snacks for the group. Hope they're in the mood for falafel. When we get to Sarah's apartment, I knock and announce our arrival yet again, and hear a flurry of movement from inside.
Sarah: And there she is! Uncle Ken, make sure she doesn't run off!
Oh, I do not like that tone...
Mary frowns and looks at me, but I can only shrug. I have no idea what she means by that, but it can't be good if Lulu, Aster, and Violet are all protesting inside. Mary grimaces and reaches into her purse as my niece stomps over to the door, but thinks better of it and puts her empty hands up instead.
She's greeted with a lance pointed at her face, courtesy of my purple-clad niece...!?
Mary's eyes go wide too, though she plays it cool with her words.
Mary: Oh wow, that's a lot of purple. Huh, so what shadowflower are you then?
Sarah: You will be silent and speak only when one of us asks you to speak.
Mary laughs in response, tinged with nerves and humor.
Mary: I'm not sure what my friend here told you, but I'm not that kind of monster. I don't follow orders.
Me: She's also not a monster, so you should put that thing down.
Lulu: Y-yeah! You promised to let her talk... and as for you, ma'am... t-thank you for helping me...
Mary: Awww, you're welcome sweetie~! I...
My niece cuts her off.
Sarah: Don't congratulate yourself! All of this is because of you!
Mary: Really? I think things were well underway before I got involved. I'm just here to help.
She then looks directly at Lulu.
Mary: But only in the way that Lulu wants. That's why I came here – to hear from her. So, if you don't trust me, that's fine... but you do trust your uncle, don't you? He's the one who invited me.
Mary smirks while Sarah scowls. My niece glares at me, but all I can do is nod. That was the plan.
In response, Sarah lets out a long sigh and backs away, pulling her lance out of Mary's face. I blink and it's vanished entirely, along with her magical outfit, revealing a purple shirt with blue jean overalls.
Sarah: Alright get in. Let's eat and talk.
I enter my niece's apartment with the hope that this dinner goes better than yesterday's.
(The dinner will end with Lulu coming to a firm conclusion as to how she wants handle things on Monday, the day which will end this route. Is there anything you'd like Ken specifically to bring up?) [] No. Let the conversation flow as it may.
[] Yes, actually. Bring up...
-[] ...the nice day you and Mary had at Sunshine Park.
-[] ...yours and Sarah's school day plans for tomorrow.
-[] ...what role, if any, Rosalyn will play in all of this.
-[] (write-in, potentially combining options or proposing something new)
QM Note: Well, I found some focus and got this update done this weekend anyway. Not sure how much longer this route will be, but we're a lot closer to the end than the beginning. Also, not sure when I can write the next part, so I'll keep this vote cycle open for a while.
Winning vote: [X][Chrys] But I'm not in much of a hurry to reconnect given things.
[X] Yes, actually. Bring up...
-[X] ...what role, if any, Rosalyn will play in all of this.
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (16)
Everyone appreciated the falafel.
I didn't get nearly enough to make a full meal of it for everyone, even accounting for Lulu's lack of hunger. So, I end up buying pizzas for everyone else, and an all-vegetarian batch at that. By the time they arrived, Mary had made herself quite comfortable despite being in the apartment of my still hostile niece. Sarah hasn't done anything so far, but never took her eyes off of my friend, not even for a moment, like she was waiting for a signal to strike her down. A signal that never came since Mary was cooperating.
Her roommates, Aster and Violet, were also wary and keeping an eye on Mary, but they were at least willing to talk to her. And little Lulu couldn't have been happier to have someone here that was fully on her side. Her aura warmed the air with a warm comforting embrace rather than the deadly grip of a summer's day in the Sahara after she told Mary what had happened from her perspective and Mary doubled down on supporting her. All my niece did in response was growl and glare in disappointment.
Sulking, she continued to let Lulu and Mary steer the conversation, leading to Lulu asking a question all of us were quite eager to have Mary answer.
Lulu: Say, Miss Raffles... how did you... fix me up like this anyway?
Mary didn't answer at first, instead glancing around the room at all of us. Lulu, to her left, was waiting with a sense of curious expectation, and I to her right felt much the same, though I didn't show it as openly. Sarah, across from her, leaned in and also requested that Mary answer the question and enlighten everyone. Aster and Violet, on either side of Sarah, glanced between the two opposed magical women. Violet's floral incense is blazing, and the sweet scent of her flower is wafting through the air, thick enough to taste. Did this ability also come from one of those so-called shadowflowers?
Mary licks her lips and clicks her tongue.
Mary: Oh, I'll answer, but first... what is this scent of violet flowers meant to do?
Aster and Sarah both look to Violet, who answers.
Violet: While my magical incense is lit, none of us may lie. This is my special ability, gained as a gift. My girlfriend Aster has a similar ability.
Aster: My own ability promotes kindness and sensitivity to others. I thought about also lighting it up, but I hope that things won't come to that.
Mary nods.
Mary: I also hope that, but I wonder if your friend feels the same way...?
Sarah growls at her. Her response is sharp, every word an attempted jab.
Sarah: You're the one being interrogated here! And don't think I haven't noticed you stalling! Answer Lulu's question, Mary Raffles.
Mary chuckles, smoothly uncaring about Sarah's sharpness.
Mary: I said that I would, so I will. I can't lie, remember? Though I've noticed that you didn't answer my question. So then, Violet, you're able to enforce 'truth' but you can't enforce 'speech'. I suppose changing the subject entirely or remaining silent would also work in avoiding uncomfortable questions. That said, Aster's ability seems to pair nicely with yours, since she may be able to convince others to speak.
I'm not sure what she's getting at, but the others are staring at her in rapt attention. Although Sarah, Aster, and Violet all look stunned and horrified while Lulu looks impressed.
Mary: I don't have a handle on Sarah, however, which isn't surprising since she's hiding her true powers. Oh, don't look at me like that, it's obvious! I'm sure even Kenny noticed that, and he's new to this.
I did, but don't say anything.
Mary: As for you, Lulu... to be honest, you did most of the work. Your heart was full of rage and hatred. I just had to channel it into magical power that you could use. Your stuffed plushie made a nice focus. Good on you for carrying that around.
Lulu sulks.
Lulu: My orange dragon Lily was supposed to be a lucky charm...
But Mary's laughter and smile perks her back up.
Mary: And I'd say that it was! You are here and warm after all, instead of in the cold ground. I do wish you could stay here, but returning you to true life is beyond my power.
I note her wording and wonder if there's someone else who could help her, but Lulu either doesn't notice that or doesn't care about it, instead thanking Mary once again and then asking for specifics and details on how she did it. But Mary's scarce on them, deflecting with a disinclination to answer. Her hesitation to speak does her no favors with my niece and her friends, but Lulu's more understanding if a bit disappointed, making a joke about how a magician shouldn't reveal all of her secrets.
Sarah: Bah! I think we could all do with a few less secrets.
Mary: Oh? Then will you lead by example, Miss Kennedy~?
Lulu: Yeah, how about it, Sarah...~? Show us what you can do...!
But Sarah, rather than going along with their desires, instead declined.
Mary & Lulu: Booooo~!
Maybe Mary had a point about her and Lulu having a lot in common.
Me: Well, since this is going nowhere...
Mary & Sarah: No thanks to her! Hmph!
Me: ...how about we focus on Lulu instead! Did you come to a decision?
She nods, eagerly.
Lulu: But... I'm sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Kennedy... I still want to kill Molly and Jack. I will avenge my death...!
Well, I can't say I was expecting her to change her mind so easily, and admit as much. Though I meant what I said when I didn't want her killing anyone else. She nods but doesn't back down. Hopefully, Sarah will be able to keep her from going through with it, otherwise...
...well, I can guess how that will end.
Lulu: But~! You've inspired me...!
Me: ...oh?
Her orange eyes are sparkling with fiery confidence, and her scaled skin is almost starting to shimmer with heat. She flings herself up from her seat, bursting with energy.
Lulu: That's right! I spent the day in stillness... alone with my thoughts.... and in the burning abyss of my soul... I saw the future I was hurtling towards. One where I was lost and forgotten to the world... but those two... Molly and Jack... they were remembered as innocent victims of a cruel attacker...! And I thought to myself...
She slams a fist into her open palm.
Lulu: ...how can I let things end like that? I avenge myself... and then what...? Nothing in the world will have changed...! This could all just happen again... when someone like me next catches the attention of someone like Molly... it could even be Rosalyn or John next... so, I can't just accept this ending...!
I nod, focused on her. We all are, though it seems that Sarah has a look of dawning horror on her face while Mary is... not happy per se, but she's leaning in, intrigued, nodding along, a hand on her chin, thinking of something. Aster and Violet, on the other hand, both look clueless.
They get it once Lulu concludes her speech.
Lulu: I will to expose them... for what they really are...! I'll make sure the whole school sees it...! Then... if they refuse to admit their guilt even then... I'll reduce them to ashes... for the whole world to see!
And they're subsequently stunned, eyes wide.
Sarah, meanwhile, leaps up from her seat as well, slamming her hands on the table and nearly shattering it.
Sarah: Absolutely not! Are you out of your mind!?
Lulu: I've never been more in my mind...! This... is how it has to end! They get one last chance... one gifted moment to say they're sorry.... and to stop being bullies. If they don't take it, then-!
Sarah: It doesn't matter if they don't take it! I'm not letting you kill anyone else!
Lulu: Hmph! I'd like to see you try and stop me... Besides, even if you did... it's not like Molly or Jack would stop... not unless they're exposed. So, you might as well... let me do things my way~!
She punctuated that statement with a warm, wide grin, like she wasn't advocating for murder.
To make matters worse, Mary is nodding in approval, a smirk on her face.
My niece is too incensed to give an actual response, so I speak up.
Me: So, then, that's a promise? If we go along with this, you really will stop your killing spree and pass on in peace?
Lulu flinches when I mention her passing on (as does Mary), but agrees. She then further clarifies that it depends on Molly and Jack cooperating. Jack's still an unknown factor here, but Molly... all of us who have met her have to know that she won't surrender. Looks like Lulu's making us meet her halfway.
Aster finally feels brave enough to speak up.
Aster: Ah, umm... i-if you don't mind, Violet and I could help?
We all turn to look at her, and while she flinches from the sudden attention, she doesn't back down.
Aster: If any part of Molly or Jack is sorry, I can drag it out of them with my power.
Violet: Yeah, and I can get the truth out of them, so long as they're willing to speak.
Mary gives them both critical looks, as if peering through them.
Mary: Hmm... but do you have any combat ability? If not, you'd just be more targets.
They both shake their heads. Looks like all of it went to Sarah.
Sarah: I can protect them... but then Lulu might just rampage and ignore us...
Lulu sulks.
Lulu: Hmph! I'm trying to meet you halfway... and this is the response I get...!?
Sarah: Ah, sorr- ... wait, why am I the one saying sorry!? You're the killer here!
Lulu: I am... but I'm not the only one.
Mary coughs and then speaks up.
Mary: Lulu, when you do this, you'll be leaving quite a mess behind for us. And I'm not just talking about the bodies. The ones who gave Molly that power will still be around. And they'll know that you had help since you're making this public. Now, there's no need to panic...
...she says to a Lulu with eyes open wide with newfound panic...
Mary: ...because I wanted to take them out anyway. And if my fellow Magical Girls here are willing to help out, we'll make light work of it.
Mary smiles at Aster, Sarah, and Violet, but only Aster even attempts to smile back. Violet grimaces and Sarah glares at her, shaking her head. Naturally, Mary denied me any involvement. I can't fight or do magic or anything like that, but there has to be something that I can do to help...
I can worry about that later though.
Me: We'll also need to consider Rosalyn. I'd like to keep her out of this, and it looks like you agree Lulu, so we'll need someone to watch over her.
Mary: I'd rather not be personally involved, so I can do that.
Lulu: Thank you, Miss Raffles...~!
My friend is beaming in the face of this genuine gratitude, while my niece scoffs once more. She then asks if someone can watch over Mary, much to Mary's annoyance. But that does raise the question of where everyone will be for this. So, I ask how Lulu wants to start with this 'exposure' plan.
Lulu: Neither Molly nor Jack will confess anything without proof, so... we need to find my body. I want to check the school once night falls tomorrow...
Sarah: You think it's still there? Somone must have moved it by now.
Me: Wouldn't there have been news if her body was found?
Mary: Not if there's been a coverup. But even if she's not there anymore, you might still learn something.
Me: That's a good point. Additionally, if we want Rosalyn to keep away, someone – preferably not me – will need to stick with her. Somone who we can keep in touch with, so preferably also not Mary, at least not by herself.
Both Mary and Sarah are confused by my words, so I quickly explain that Rosalyn's mom won't tolerate me being near her daughter and that Mary doesn't use certain modern amenities like smartphones. Aster and Violet, meanwhile, volunteer themselves to be anywhere that's helpful as long as we can get them on the school grounds. Well, once I contact Florence with a convenient excuse, I'll be able to get us in.
[][Florence] I'll be honest... up to a point. I'll say that we have a potential lead in the school, but nothing further.
[][Florence] There's no way that I can tell him the truth. I'll have to come up a plausible lie.
-[][Florence] Ask if they're hiring and if he can help you make connections (*)
-[][Florence] See if he can get you an audience with Molly and/or Jack
-[][Florence] Tell him that you want to discuss some sensitive details... in person (*)
-[][Florence] (write-in...?)
We then decide who will be going into the school and who will be on Rosalyn guard duty.
[][Party] Sarah and I will search, while Lulu and the others stay with Rosalyn somewhere nearby.
[][Party] Lulu and I will search, while Sarah and the others stay with Rosalyn somewhere nearby. [][Party] I could search by myself and... Sarah, Mary, and Lulu all object to this.
[][Party] I'll be with Florence, so Lulu and Sarah will search while the others stay with Rosalyn. (*)
[][Party] (perhaps there's another arrangement that will work... the only requirements are that no one can be by themselves and Ken cannot be with Rosalyn)
[] (optional write-in) Any other topics you'd like to see discussed before dinner wraps up?
QM Note: If an option (*) is taken for one vote, then an option with (*) must be with it from the other vote. Otherwise, feel free to mix and match.
Winning vote: [X][Florence] I'll be honest... up to a point. I'll say that we have a potential lead in the school, regarding Jack, but nothing further.
-[X][Florence] Tell him that you want to discuss some sensitive details... in person (*)
-[X][Florence] See if he can get you an audience with Jack
--[X] Ask to make usage of Violet's incense during the discussion with Florence and Jack.
[x][Party] I'll be with Florence, so Lulu and Sarah will search while the others stay with Rosalyn. (*)
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (17)
Florence responds to my text while we're planning. We're in.
Well, I'm in. I'll be talking to him – as well as Jack Dunbar, one of Lulu's killers – alone.
Though, I won't really be alone. Since I'll be with both Florence and Jack, this is a perfect opportunity for Lulu and Sarah to search for Lulu's original body together. In the meantime, Aster, Violet, and Mary will be watching over Rosalyn. Aster and Violet won't be able to do much in a fight, and but Mary can pick up that slack or so she claims. I know she's no fighter, but she must have some trick up her sleeve with her magic. Seeing that Violet's incense is still lit, she refuses to elaborate on the nature of her abilities.
Well, it's not just because of the incense.
It's because I'm here. Me, Kentarou Kennedy, an ordinary man.
Even now, she probably thinks that I shouldn't be involved in this whole situation. She hasn't tried to talk me out of it, but I bet that it's only because I'll be out of harm's way. At least, that's the plan.
Molly is still an unknown factor, but she doesn't care about me at all. If she does intervene, it'll be to attack Lulu or Rosalyn. Sarah and Lulu together should be too much for Molly to handle, and Mary... every time she's asked, she simply smirks and says not to worry. Lulu's satisfied after Mary swears on her life to keep Rosalyn safe, but my niece is still on edge.
Mary: Trust me, it's best you don't know how I do things.
Sarah scowls at my friend.
Sarah: The more you say that, the more you suspicious you sound.
Mary laughs it off.
Mary: Oh? I can get more suspicious?
Sarah: That's right, and I'll get answers out of you one day! ...but I guess that won't be tonight...
My niece then starts muttering to herself darkly... I better not let this develop too much further. Right after we help Lulu, we ought to hash all of this out. No more secrets. I'm sure they could be at least allies if not actual friends if they talked it out.
But first...
Me: Say, Violet, can you do me a favor?
She turns to look at me, as does Aster, both of them glancing at me curiously with their brown eyes. Violet had a hint of purple in her eyes, matching the streaks in her black hair, when she lit up her incense, but that's now gone. Yet the incense is still lit and effective. So, I have an idea – I'll take some with me to the meeting with Florence and Jack, and use that to get the truth out of them.
Violet nods in approval as I run my idea by her.
Violet: I can get you some no problem. How will you light it though?
Me: I'll have a lighter on me.
Aster: But that's not the real problem, Mr. Kennedy. What will Florence and Jack think?
Me: Hmmm... well, I can make an excuse about how it'll soothe my nerves. That'll have to be enough. Besides, the whole school smells like flowers. They ought to be used to it.
Aster nods.
Aster: But do be careful. It doesn't sound like Jack is magical, but he might notice that something's off anyway.
Violet: Even so, Florence should be able to keep him in line... right?
Me: Yeah, he ought to.
I'll have to hope so.
In any case, Violet hands me one of her incense sticks with her pale brown hands. Aster, though I didn't ask her for her incense, offers me one in her outstretched umbrous black hand. I take them both without hesitation, though I only plan on using the one. It's nice to have a backup option.
With that settled, the conversation shifts. Sarah, still trying to interrogate Mary, takes a new approach.
Sarah: Hmph! Well, if you won't tell us anything about yourself, can you tell us something about whoever gave Molly her powers? It sounds like you know them quite well. Friends of yours?
Mary growls darkly, rolling her eyes.
Mary: I'm sure they wish I was! But no, Viticulture are my enemies now and... forever?
At the mention of Viticulture, Violet, Sarah, and Aster all freeze up eyes wide.
Sarah: D-did you just say Viticulture? They're the ones behind this?
Mary, confused, nods once.
Mary: Well, I don't know how Molly fits into this... but the power of the White Camellia was developed by them, yes.
She then narrows her eyes in suspicion while Lulu and I look between them, equally confused.
Mary: But how do you know about them? They'd never accept any of you as a part of their exclusive club. If anything, they'd have attacked you on the spot if they ever found out you were Magical Girls.
Sarah: We...
Sarah glances between Lulu and I.
Sarah: Ahh...
What is she-?
Mary: Oh Kenny, would you mind taking Lulu out for a walk? Or maybe a flight? You two could check up on Rosalyn.
Mary cuts off my train of thought with an odd question. Why would I take Lulu anywhere, especially near Rosalyn? She knows that I shouldn't go anywhere near her. For that matter, Lulu shouldn't go out where Molly might see her. I'm about to bring up both those points when Lulu almost leaps out of her seat, draconic eyes sparkling with friendly fire.
Lulu: Can we, Mr. Kennedy...? Please...
Me: I...
Sarah cuts me off.
Sarah: Oh, before you go, make sure you both have some protection.
Lulu: I'm all the protection we'll need...!
Sarah: Yes, yes, I know, but can you do this for me anyway?
She then tosses us both flannel bags, not caring about the prominent scowl on my face.
Me: Niece...
Sarah: Uncle, please.
Mary: Yeah, Kenny, didn't you want us to talk? Now we will.
...I wanted to be there for that talk...
I sigh.
But oh well. I request to be filled in later and leave after getting several non-committal responses. Honestly...
Lulu follows me without hesitation. She's in her hoodie again, her head uncovered, revealing how the cool brown skin on her face blends seamlessly into the orange scales covering her scalp. But she covers her head up as we head down the stairs and she leads me away from the building.
Me: Hey.
Lulu: Hm?
She turns and looks up to face me.
Me: I want you to promise me. We're just going to visit Rosalyn. No going after Molly.
She pouts, but nods.
Lulu: I wasn't going to... not with you around, anyway...
I sigh.
Me: Am I really such a burden...? ...no, I shouldn't make that your problem. Let's go.
I try to walk off, but she stops me, pulling on my sleeve.
Lulu: That's not it... I just... wouldn't want anything to happen to you... Sarah and Ms. Raffles would be really sad... like how Mama must be now...
Me: ...
Ah, she's right. She even gets a small smile out of me. I feel my face lift. Feels good.
She smiles back and we walk off a bit further. Even on a Sunday Night, there's still a decent amount of people out and about in the Mon Meadows... but none of them are paying us any mind. It's an odd sight. I'm walking around with a dragon-girl and it's like no one cares! The power of Mary's magic is something frightful to see... especially since it seems like this isn't her limit. Just what else can she do...?
I put that thought aside for now and turn my attention to little Lulu.
Me: So... what did Mary say before about you flying? Is that how you were getting around earlier?
Lulu: That's right... I need to change. Excuse me for a moment...
Not knowing better, I watch as she slips her way into a barely-lit back alley. I feel more than I see the orange glow, as it comes with a sudden rush of heat. A lizard-shaped Lulu then stalks her way out of the alley, fully covered in orange scales, walking on all fours, two wings folded up, and eyes blazing red like a roaring wildfire. They remind me of Mary's actually.
They also remind me of blood.
So, I have to ask...
Me: Lulu, what exactly did you do to those bullies you killed?
She gives me a confused look as she leads me away into the night.
Lulu: I hunted them down... and tore them apart...! But why do you ask...?
Me: So, you didn't drink their blood?
Her face folds up in disgust and that's all that I need to see.
But if she didn't do that...
...then who did?
.
.
.
The rest of the night passed in peace.
Lulu tried to pick me up and fly me to Rosalyn's place, but found to her dismay that I was too heavy for her to carry. So, we had to meet her halfway – I grabbed a bike from a nearby bike-share and she pulled me along.
It was an experience that I have no desire to ever repeat. But at least I got there in one piece.
Along the way, I asked about the stuffed dragon, and she filled me all in on her favorite show – Fairy Knights of Sylvia. Sounded to me like a fantasy cartoon with girls who travel into a book (the same one the show is named after) and become its main characters – and also transforming knights. Lily, the dragon, starts off as an antagonist to the trio of Fairy Knights (Red, Blue, and Yellow) but eventually becomes a reluctant ally when a bigger threat arises and eventually a true friend. Meanwhile, the trio were being led by a talking unicorn named Rosalind, and Rosalyn had a stuffed version of her. They bonded at first over their mutual love of the show.
As for Rosalyn, she was fine. Still grounded, of course, and she just barely managed to clam up before she could accidentally alert her parents that we'd arrived. I got them both to promise to be on their best behavior and call Sarah immediately if they sensed anything, and then left before I could be spotted. By the time I got back to Sarah's apartment, Mary was waiting outside for me, having finished her chat with my niece. Of course, she didn't fill me in on the details, but declared that the two of them had found common ground in their shared enemy – Viticulture.
She then told me not to worry about anything beyond this point, as the two of them could handle things.
Naturally, I wasn't convinced.
[][Viticulture] So, I resolved to talk to Sarah about this after we were done with Lulu. (locks in Iris's route after this one completes)
[][Viticulture] But, I was willing to wait a bit longer for answers from them. (does not lock in anything; may choose next route freely)
I didn't say so to Mary's face though, and we had a nice bus ride back to our neighborhood. I had a dream of a rogue White Fairy Knight battling a unicorn and a dragon, and woke up peacefully not long after the evil "hero" was slain. Maybe it'll be a premonition of things to come...
The thought of it made me shiver in my bed.
The rest of the day passed by in a blur. I worked alone today with the Calderon kids. Started off pretty distracted by things to come, but once it was clear that they'd noticed, I sharpened up and go them focused too. Juno also noticed when she briefly stopped by the kitchen for tea, but I was able to deflect by claiming it was a personal matter. That's true and all, but it's not my personal matter.
She simply wished that whatever I was going through, it ended well for me.
I hope so too.
After finishing up with work, I take a bus and train up to Diamondwood High School. I'm the last one there and I arrive with the sun almost fully set in the distance. Sarah and Mary are once again in a glaring match; Aster and Violet are making sure things don't explode; and Rosalyn is cuddling Lulu's plushy body in her arms. She's the first to notice me and opens her mouth to call me over before thinking better of it and clamming up. Not sure who could be listening in, after all.
Mary: Ah, Kenny, there you are~. Are you ready?
I nod and get out my phone.
Me: I should be asking if you all are ready. I told Florence I'd be alone.
Mary: And you will be. Don't mind us now~.
She then shepherds everyone else away into nearby tree cover, further annoying my niece with her lack of explanation. I leave them to it and text Florence while walking over to one of the gates. The guards give me a curious look but otherwise ignore me, and Florence arrives only a few minutes later to let me in.
And he's brought none other than who I presume to be Jack Dunbar with him.
???: Hmph! This is the guy?
The boy's brown eyes look me up and down with disdain. He's only a bit shorter than me and his suntanned skin contrasts sharply with the school's white-and-silver school uniform. His outfit is sharp and his brown hair (with blonde tips) is messy. He grunts and turns to Florence for conformation. Florence looks about the same as last time, and addresses Jack with a warm smile on his face.
Florence: Yes, indeed. Jack, this is Mr. Kentarou Kennedy. Ken, this is Jack Dunbar.
Me: It's good to meet you.
Jack rolls his eyes at my attempt to be diplomatic.
Jack: Whatever. You want to talk to me about something?
Me: Ah, yes. But I was hoping we could do this in private...?
Florence understands what I'm getting at immediately, and leads us all into the main castle of Diamondwood High School. The school's scent is as sweet as usual, and thick in the air. I breathe in deeply and relax a bit. Jack, however, remains on edge as we walk over to a small office with a water cooler in the corner. Vines and flowers decorate the space, covering the gray walls, but the scent is much milder. Other than a small window on the door, we're entirely isolated from the outside world. Florence has us sit around a small round table. I can't escape Jack's agitated stare.
Similarly, Jack can't escape from my words.
Me: Yes, Jack. I wanted to talk to you. It's about these incidents...
Jack perks up from his slumped sitting position, maybe confused and maybe concerned.
He then promptly gives me a confused look as I pull out Violet's incense.
Me: I hope you don't mind if I lit this up as we talk. I find the scent of violet incense soothing.
He rolls his eyes again.
Jack: Well, I can't stop you.
And Florence, not minding, lets me light it up. The air turns sweeter and dryer. Jack coughs and grunts at me, but I tell him not to worry – he'll get used to it.
Jack: There better not be anything weird in that smoke. I'll sue if you poison me.
Me: I've got no reason to hurt you.
Though I know someone who does, and so very much.
Me: Now Jack, you and your friends were all attacked by a... something, right? It wasn't just an ordinary person.
Both Florence and Jack give me bewildered looks. While Florence remains confused and silent, Jack glares at me and stands up, leaning over the table towards me.
Jack: Huh!? And just what do you mean by that?
I shake my head, feigning a lack of concern and noting that he's between me and the door.
Me: Come on now, Jack. Given how mangled your friend's corpses were, it's only natural to assume that no human could have been so cruel to their bodies. However, if you've seen something that indicates otherwise – that this was just the work of an ordinary killer – that would also be good to know. Because I know that you've seen something, and I'd like to know what it was. So, if you don't mind...
Jack's eyes only narrow further.
Jack: You... you're acting like you know something, and I don't like that. How about you tell me what you know first? It's not like I have to speak without my lawyer present, after all.
I grimace. Ugh... if he won't talk, then it'll be hard for me to stall for time. I'll have to come up with something fast!
I force my grimace into a smirk and lean back into my seat. Here goes nothing.
Jack's eyes go wide and he's stunned for a moment before he stands up straight, glaring down at me like I'm an unwanted pest.
Jack: What's it to you? Yeah, I knew her. Haven't seen her in a while, though.
Me: And I'm sure you like that. You and Molly didn't appreciate having her around.
Jack: So what? Is that a crime?
I lean back and try to relax as much as I can. I have to be ready for whatever he does next.
Me: No, but making her disappear would be, wouldn't it?
Jack blurts out his next sentence before he realizes that he shouldn't.
Jack: You can't prove that we did anything! You'll never find...!!!
He recoils like I hit him, bouncing back towards the door, covering his mouth in horror. He glances over at Florence who looks just as horrified as the kid, and just a mite mortified. He ought to be for keeping this kind of a secret. But before I can say anything, Jack seems to have a realization, looking down at Violet's incense...!?
Jack: You... you did something to me! This is magic! How can you be doing magic!? You're not like Molly or... gah! I need to get out of here and warn her!
He turns to run, and the next few seconds stretch out as if painted on a film reel.
I leap up to follow him, but...
Jack: I don't think so!
...he kicks back and knocks the table over at me, also knocking over Violet's lit incense. I duck out of the way towards him, while Florence flees towards the wall. Rather than stick around, Jack dashes out of the room and down the hallway. I have to rush and put out the incense, so Jack is long gone by the time I can peek outside of the office. Damn!
Florence: Ken, wha-what was that?
I'm not inclined to answer. He's recovered, already putting the table back in place, I could leave him be and go track down Jack. But, is it really safe to leave him alone? He's involved in this whole thing too, after all...
I can't afford to spend too much time thinking about this.
I will...
[] ...go after Jack by myself. I'll have to risk getting lost in here.
[] ...go after Jack with Florence in tow. I have to keep an eye on him.
[] ...call in help. Aster and Violet can send Mary in after retreating.
[] ...get out of here entirely. I need to regroup with the others outside.
QM Note: And we're back! I would have liked to get this out earlier, but the length of it got ahead of me. This time I'm going to try having a timer on the vote from the beginning, so we'll see how that works out.
Winning vote: [X][Viticulture] But, I was willing to wait a bit longer for answers from them. [X] ...go after Jack with Florence in tow. I have to keep an eye on him. -[X] try and send a text off to Mary's group that you may need backup from her.
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (18)
...get moving with Florence by my side.
Me: You're coming with me, Florence.
He's taken aback for a moment.
Florence: Huh!? Me? What did I do? ...and what were you trying to do here anyway? I didn't take you for a cop.
I scoff and shake my head.
Me: As if! No, I'm an ordinary man searching for the truth.
Florence looks me up and down.
Florence: Right, of course you are.
Me: It's the truth, whether you like it or not. Here's another truth: we need to Jack before he does something else that you or he will regret. And I don't want you slipping away either. Now follow me! I could use some help getting around this place.
I start walking out, but Florence stops me with a grab to my shoulder.
Florence: Ken, you don't want to get any further involved in this. Look, if you let me lead you out now, I can cover for you. Jack and Molly will listen to me. I'll keep them from retaliating against you. No one else has to know that you were even interested in these incidents, or that... anyone else is missing.
I stare him dead in the eyes, gaze cold.
Me: If those two kids really do listen to you, Mr. Bowie, then why is Lulu dead? Are you saying you approved of her murder? Or is the truth that they're completely out of your control, and you're stuck here covering for them?
He flinches and doesn't answer. He can't. He's got nothing that he can say to defend himself.
Me: Well, Florence, you got any idea where he might have gone?
He shakes his head.
Florence: No, but he's got to be looking for Molly. I didn't know she stuck around – she wasn't there when Jack met with me. She could be anywhere in here, or even in one of the other buildings or outside.
And then we'll lose them both.
I pull out my phone to Florence's confusion, and send out a text to Rosalyn.
-Jack ran off. He's looking for Molly. Retreat further. Tell Mary that I might need backup.-
For a brief moment, I consider also sending a message to my niece. I know they have to be in the school somewhere, though I don't know where exactly. If Molly happens to run into Lulu or vice versa then they'll definitely get into a fight. ...then again, would that really be a bad thing? My niece is there, and Molly can't handle the two of them. We know that from experience.
Florence speaks up and catches my attention as Rosalyn responds with news that help is on the way.
Florence: Who are you texting, your niece? Is she around? I should have figured that you didn't actually come alone...
I don't answer his question. He doesn't deserve one.
Me: Every moment we stick around here is another moment for Jack to get away. Now come with me!
This time Florence passively follows me into the hallway, and I have to shuffle him into taking the front. Jack's little outburst drew in attention. Curious and concerned fellow teachers, along with a few students, have come around asking if everything's alright. Sounds like they didn't actually hear the conversation, but did hear the table crash and Jack slamming open the door and stomping through the hallways.
I ask which way Jack went and thankfully someone knows and points us the right way. Florence admits that we were discussing the recent incidents, but then deflects that Jack was just upset over talking about them again. The crowd doesn't start dispersing until Florence says that he and I will be checking up on him to make sure he's okay. I'm only concerned about him being in one piece, but don't contradict Florence.
This gets almost everyone to go and leave us be.
Almost everyone.
Florence: Henry, I'm telling you, we can handle it...
One man has decided to make our business his own.
Henry: Hmph! If you could handle it, then Jack wouldn't have run off. I'm going with you, and I won't hear any complaints. Especially not from you... I bet you're the cause of this little disturbance, Mister...
Me: Kentarou Kennedy.
It's say it's nice to meet him, this Mr. Henry Odell, but that would be a lie.
Me: Apologies. I'll be out of your hair once this is all over.
The man scoffs once more, glaring at me with his gray eyes and gesturing to his shaved head.
Henry: Haha, very funny. Yeah, you'd better leave... I ought to show you the door now.
Thankfully, Florence comes to my defense, explaining that I'd been investigating the recent deaths and thus wanted to talk to Jack about them since he was a target. I add that I was hoping that his testimony might be helpful in catching the culprit, but it seemed that I just upset him instead. So, I'd like to apologize. That gets Henry to finally relax, though it doesn't get him to leave us be.
So, the three of us are in the hallways together when a loud noise suddenly sounds out!
-GONG! GONG! GONG!-
Me: What is that!?
The sound of ringing bells is loud and blares through the hallway, seemingly coming from everywhere.
-GONG! GONG! GONG!-
Florence: That's the alarm!?
Henry: But why is it ringing now?
Florence: Ah! Maybe Jack pulled it?
Henry: Tch! He better not have!
-GONG! GONG! GONG!-
Henry grumbles something under his breath but I don't catch it on account of a sudden buzzing in my pocket. My niece is calling me...? I pick up the phone and answer in a flash, and get her frantic voice from the other end.
Sarah: Uncle, what's going on!? The alarm suddenly started blaring! Worse still, Lulu's out of it!
Me: Huh!? What do you mean by that!?
-GONG! GONG! GONG!-
I can't keep my voice down, so Henry and Florence both ask who I'm talking to. Well, only Florence asks; with Henry its more of a demand. I can be somewhat honest here and shout that it's an urgent family matter over the bells. Florence nods while Henry grudgingly demands that I follow him out of the building, just in case there's a real emergency. The only emergency here is Jack getting away...
...but I don't say that. Besides, I need to hear out my panicked niece anyway.
Sarah: Lulu fell over clutching her ears as soon as the bells started going off. I guess she's sensitive to loud noises.
-GONG! GONG! GONG!-
Can't say I blame her. They're pretty obnoxious.
Sarah: We haven't found her body yet, and I have us hiding in a closet out of sight for now.
I nod as she speaks, and then lower my voice to as much of a whisper as I can.
Me: Good, good. Do you have any of that holy water for her?
Sarah: Ah... no. Sorry, I didn't think we'd need any. Uncle, there's no way we can continue like this...
(see QM notes for likely consequences of each vote) [] Sarah then suggests retreating from the school for now, which I wholeheartedly support given the current situation. [] I then suggest having Lulu swap to her plush form and letting Sarah continue on, which the two are quite happy to do. [] Lulu suggests pushing on as is anyway... no, we're going to prioritize Lulu's health and safety, even if she isn't.
We discuss the matter for only a few moments longer before we're set on our path and she hangs up.
And I return to the world around me just in time for a rude awakening.
We, along with plenty of other people, have made our way to the nearest exit. But two people with ill intentions have entered the building instead.
Guard #1: Hey! Is that the guy Jack mentioned!?
Two security guards in blue and silver are scanning the crowd. Looks like they've been searching for me! One of them looks directly at me and points me out, beckoning others to turn and look at me, the out-of-place man, a stranger and supposed infiltrator.
Guard #2: You, over there! Stay where you are!
I flinch and back up. Jack moves fast!
Florence: Huh? Ken, where are you-!?
Henry: Hey, don't run! Get back here!
Henry tries to grab at me, but I slip out of the way. He doesn't follow me, but the two cops do, mace-shaped batons out and at the ready. Wasn't I supposed to have backup!? Where is-!?
My train of thought and my escape are both halted by the sounds of crashing glass, both near and far. I can guess what's going on far away, but near me...
???: Kentarou... are these men troubling you?
Someone in a blood-red hooded cloak has crashed through the windows (despite a door being nearby) and put themselves between me and the two guards. Her (?) voice... I recognize it from somewhere, but can't tell who it belongs to. It also sounds submerged somehow, like she's speaking from underground. Her back is to me, so it's not like I can see who she is either.
Guard #1: Alright lady, you're under arrest too.
Guard #2: Stay right where you are... okay...
One of them takes out two pairs of handcuffs and the two of them slowly approach my mysterious savior, who then addresses me.
???: Kentarou... Mary has asked me to stay by your side. Where do you need to go?
I blink.
Right. Jack and Molly. Got to get to them before things even more out of hand. But where to go first...
The guards are moving in, so I better decide quick!
(see QM notes for likely consequences of each vote) [] We need to find Jack... so let's retreat and go search for him! [] We need to find Jack... but take out the guards before we look. [] That crashing must be Molly! I can't let her fight Lulu here! [] Just get me out of here, I can trust Sarah to take care of herself. [] (perhaps there's another approach...?)
QM Note: A retreating Sarah avoids all fights but also doesn't find Lulu's body. A non-retreating Sarah will fight Molly, who may or may not retreat depending on if Sarah gets backup. Meanwhile, Jack will definitely get away unless chased down here, and would need to be pursued again later.
